An existential inquiry exploring the lived experiences of individuals hearing voices

This qualitative research aimed to investigate how individuals make sense of their hearing-voice experience, including any perceived connection between trauma and hearing voices, while also considering the situational and social factors that may shape their experience. The research aimed to create a meaningful narrative that explores various aspects of hearing voices, focusing on voice-hearers who have experienced trauma. Using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to answer the question: “How do adult survivors of trauma make meaning of their voice-hearing experience”?, this study investigated the multifaced experience of hearing by developing four interrelated themes: “Navigating the Good, the Bad, and the Useful Voices”, Is it trauma speaking?, “From powerless to reclaiming control” and “Between Stigma and the need for Compassion”. This research addressed gaps in the field by emphasising the complexity of the hearing-voices experience, which shapes the personal identity of voice hearers, along with the impact of traumatic circumstances and social factors surrounding voice-hearing. Despite limitations stemming from subjectivity and small, purposeful sample size, the thesis advanced the understanding of the complex dynamics underlying the relationship between voice hearers and their voices and their need to address both external and internal stigma. It highlighted a gap in professional skills, calling for more humanistic and flexible approaches that consider individuals' interpretations of their experiences and emphasise the need for trauma-informed practices. Overall, this study offered a subjective yet valuable perspective on the experience of hearing voices, highlighting that reducing stigma and fostering empathy are key to improving voice hearers' well-being. This study framed hearing voices as a form of interpersonal communication that requires social connection and understanding.